Island Refuge is another thrilling romantic suspense adventure set in Brookwell Island, my new favorite (fictional) South Carolina town!
About the book:
Have old secrets followed her home?
Lila Copeland seized her chance for a fresh start and never looked back. After years of school and training, she’s coming home to put her stamp on the family bakery.
Unfortunately, trouble follows…in the form of Travis Upton. The secuirty expert isn’t just the man she’s been crushing on for months, he’s the man accusing her of a major jewelry heist.
When Travis’s investigation reveals a serious threat to the gorgeous baker, the easiest way to protect her is to pose as her doting boyfriend.
Their talk of love might only be white lies, but the kisses are as real as the danger closing in.
As the thief applies more pressure, putting the people and town she loves in the crossfire, Lila will do whatever it takes to help Travis close his case. Even confess her ugly secrets.
Travis, undaunted by her past, is determined to give the woman who holds his heart the safe haven she needs and the happy future she deserves.
If you like romantic suspense loaded with colorful small-town characters, an unstoppable protector, and a fake relationship that’s the real deal deep down, you’ll love Island Refuge!
Sneak Peek!
Chapter 1
With his cell phone to his ear and his eyes on his laptop screen Travis Upton glared at an alert from his guardian agency bosses. The idea that several hundred grand in watches and jewelry was stashed on the yacht, right under his nose, was more than annoying.
Reputation was everything in the security industry.
“Are you sure about this report?” It was a dumb question. Whoever sent this intel was tied to the agency. And anyone working for the agency was a credible witness.
“We know the watches and jewels are gone,” said Swann.
“The insurance company asked for our assistance, concerned about these heists,” Gamble added. In the last year the yachts they insure have been targeted. The pattern is too obvious to ignore.”
Gamble and Swann were law partners who managed the elite guardian agency based out of Chicago. With international clients, they offered protection and discrete investigation as well as assistance to law enforcement agencies when requested.
“Surely other yachts have been targeted as well.”
“The ratio is much lower. The company suspects an inside job,” Swann explained. “Mason’s yacht was moored just two slips away. Everything indicates something went wrong and it’s possible the stolen items ended up on her yacht.”
Travis gritted his teeth. “Or an accomplice is on this yacht.”
“An outside possibility. One we can’t ignore,” Gamble agreed.
“We are scheduled to stop in Charleston for a week,” Travis reported. The newlyweds were determined to explore the area and take advantage of this extended break in their schedules.
He and the protective detail were looking forward to some time away from the yacht. Not everyone on his team was built for seafaring. The vessel was comfortable enough and the crew skilled enough to keep the ride smooth. But it was still days and days of nothing but ocean.
“We’d like you to take the lead on this,” Swann said. “You have people to manage the personal protection?”
“Not full staff, no,” he admitted. He and two other bodyguards were traveling with the couple on board. They could technically cover the twenty-four hours in three shifts, but he preferred shorter shifts. When they stopped at a port, Travis would bring in additional bodyguards for coverage to ensure no one burned out. “We could use a couple extra hands to rotate in. On the yacht, we’re pretty much a skeleton crew.” He was determined to give everyone the downtime they needed. “The yacht is secure,” or so he’d thought. “And we’ve had relaxing days at sea, but we could all use some additional breathing room.”
It was hard to explain. Being on the yacht wasn’t exactly hard work when it came to personal security, but the obvious constraints could weigh on a person. Travis had spoken with the captain at length about how to keep his team feeling sharp and focused. He’d learned there was a high turnover for a reason.
In fact, the current chef would be leaving the crew once they reached Charleston. Lila Copeland had family in the area, according to the captain, and she’d planned for an extended break.
“We have Brett Robinson in the area as well as Logan Harris,” Swann said, thoughtfully. “There are other options as well. We’ll have our new coordinator reach out to you.”
Travis did a double take at Brett’s name. He hadn’t realized the man was tied to the agency. And a new coordinator implied growth. Travis was all for that. He appreciated job security. “That’s great. What’s his name?”
“Her name is Jess Keller,” Gamble replied. “She’s our new regional director and she can get you the coverage you need.” Gamble paused, and Travis heard the rattle of a keyboard. A moment later his email chimed. “There,” Gamble said. “Her name, photo, and contact information for you.”
“Thanks.” He opened the email and seeing the name and the face, recognition clicked. “Oh, right. Isn’t she a cop in Key West?” The same cop who’d saved Travis’s good friend Max during a nasty incident. if he was thinking of the same woman.
“That’s right.”
“She’s a hero,” Travis said. From his brief acquaintance, Jess had a good head on her shoulders and was generally unflappable. He couldn’t blame her for going into the private sector. Especially with Gamble and Swann. The two men knew how to build an irresistible employment offer and they managed the Guardian Agency with expertise and compassion. “We sure think so,” Swann agreed. “And we’re pleased she’s eager to tackle this new challenge.”
Travis wondered what Jess’s new role meant for the agency as a whole. Then again, he was confident however things shifted with management and affiliates, Gamble and Swann would take care of their people—they always did.
“I’ll coordinate with Keller,” Travis said. “Once I’m sure Juliet is comfortable with the staff changes, I’ll give this my full attention.”
Gamble and Swann gave him their thanks and ended the call, leaving Travis to ponder what the hell was going on.
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